Abstract. Many East German cities face long-term shrinking
processes, which contribute to declining city centers. This is particularly
noticeable in small and medium-sized cities with low human and financial
resources. A funding program that helps to regenerate inner cities is the
regional city competition „Ab in die Mitte! Die City-Offensive Sachsen“
(AMS) in Saxony, organized as a public-private partnership. This study aims
to (1) research AMS concerning its factors of success and obstacles, (2)
analyze its role for small and medium-sized cities and, (3) give
recommendations to improve AMS. The low-threshold of participation mainly
encourages small and medium-sized cities to take part. AMS strengthens
exchange and knowledge transfer and promotes endogenous planning strategies.
The city competition offers low funding possibilities; therefore, it can
only serve as an incentive system. AMS should improve transparency within
the evaluation process and, realign its concept to future urban development
strategies.